Wanting to Deepen His Knowledge of Environmental Services Valuation, This Fahutan Alumnus Returns to IPB University to Pursue a Doctorate

The desire to learn directly from experts was the main reason Hari Nugraha, an alumnus of the Faculty of Forestry (Fahutan) at IPB University, continued his doctoral studies at the Natural Resources and Environmental Management Study Program (PSL) at IPB University. 

After previously completing a double master’s degree at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and Japan, he has now chosen to return to his alma mater to pursue a doctoral degree to deepen his knowledge of environmental services valuation.

“IPB University was my first campus. Returning here is like coming home, even though the study program is different from when I was an undergraduate,” said Hari.

Hari’s interest in environmental service valuation began with his master’s thesis research. The topic covered water supply, protection from erosion or landslides, and bee pollination. In the process, he referred extensively to the works of IPB University lecturers, including Prof Akhmad Fauzi, who is known as an expert in environmental service valuation.

“Currently, I am interested in exploring environmental service valuation related to forest area use, such as mining within forest areas. Learning directly from experts at IPB University is a very important added value,” he said.

In addition to academic reasons, Hari also acknowledged the significant improvement in campus facilities compared to when he was an undergraduate student from 2002-2008. While attending the colloquium at PSL, he felt that the lecture halls were more comfortable, the supporting facilities were clean, and the academic infrastructure was adequate. “The changes are very noticeable. The learning environment is now much more conducive,” said Hari.

For Hari, IPB University is not only a place to study, but also a space to build strong academic networks. Interaction with lecturers and fellow students across disciplines opens up opportunities for research collaboration that can address the challenges of sustainable natural resource management.

He also considers IPB University’s excellence in research and international publications to be one of its main attractions. This makes him confident that his future research results will not only benefit Indonesia but also contribute to the development of global science.

Looking ahead, Hari hopes that the knowledge he has gained can be applied in the formulation of science-based policies, both in the government sector and among practitioners. “I want policies to be based on policy science, so that they are more targeted,” he concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/KDP)